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Eating a healthy balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables can help, as well as having a regular exercise regime. It may also be beneficial to massage oil (such as almond oil, olive oil, coconut oil etc) gently into the skin (particularly the thighs and round your bump) after you have a shower or bath. You could also use this time to do a perineum massage to help reduce the chances of tearing during the second stage of labour.

Our bodies do change during pregnancy and after birth. They are beautiful bodies that have bought new life into the world. I believe that these changes should be celebrated.

You are very welcome. It can also help to reduce stretch marks to drink plenty of water. Most stretch marks will start to fade within 12 months after giving birth.

The perineum is between your bottom and vagina and massaging this in pregnancy can help it to stretch better when the baby's head is emerging. Here is an article from the main part of the Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond site entitled Perfecting the Perineum.

Getting stretch mark from pregnancy is quite inevitable yet can be controlled and minimized. Healthy diet and exercise for pregnant woman are highly needed and required. Watching your weight and regular visit to your ob-gyne will help you stay fit and beautiful while pregnant.